Swing dance in heels?

I just recently started swing dancing, and I'm quickly becoming addicted to it! I've noticed that at some of the nicer venues that host swing nights, a lot of the women will wear heels to dance in. Some of them are wearing specialty dance heels, and others have told me that they just got used to dancing in Payless heels.





I love wearing heels and my posture improves tenfold when I do. I feel short and awkward in the flats that I've been wearing.





Does wearing heels for swing interfere with the posture of the dance? And if I were to buy some cute heels from a non-dance store, should I take them to a shoe repair shop and have the soles sueded?





The skin on my feet tends to blister really easily, but I would love to find a way to make the heels work if I can!

Swing dance in heels?
The important thing is to be comfortable. If you go out dancing for four hours, your knees are going to kill you if you don't have good support.





FLATS VS. HEELS:


This is really just a preference. Sometimes I'll wear a nice heel, but most times I'm wearing something that's almost a flat. I don't dress up everytime I go out swing dancing, which is why I don't always wear heals. Personally, I opt for a good wedge rather than a true heel.


http://www.dancestore.com/1aarug2.html





Otherwise I go for a comfortable sneaker or flat soled shoe, that I can dance in all night.


http://www.dancestore.com/1aarr.html











FAST VS. SLOW (Suede Vs. Non-Suede)


The fastest shoe you can own is going to be a hard-leather soled shoe with a wood heel. You can take suede and glue it to a sneaker sole, but it's not going to give you the same kind of "fastness". In my opinion, choosing to dance in fast or slow shoes will both have advantages and disadvantages.





If you wear fast shoes, it's easier to glide on a hardwood floor, but trying to dance fast (aside from Balboa) will be very difficult because you can't push off the floor, and your footwork may become lazy and shuffle more as dance more in fast shoes. Your feet may hurt faster with less support when wearing leather soled shoes.





If you wear slow shoes, it's easier to push off the floor when dancing faster, but you will have to be more concious about picking up your feet, and you're legs will probably get tired faster when wearing slow shoes. Your feet won't get as hard an impact when wearing sneakers however.











In my opinion, you have to try both and decide what's best for you. I normally always have two pairs of shoes with me when I go out dancing, and change them through out the night depending on how I'm dancing, and what the floor is like.





Dance posture is something you have to work on regardless of whatever shoes your wearing. If you have strong frame and momentum (and a good lead), the kind of shoes you are wearing shouldn't affect your posture.





Open-toed shoes are a personal preference. I wouldn't wear the same shoes swing dancing that I wear salsa dancing.





Try looking for some leather soled shoes at thrift stores and antique stores. I've found some amazing 1930's and 1940's shoes for $10 or less.








I hope that helps!





If you want a little inspiration about swing dancing, check out this video (It's from a professional Lindy Hop competition):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myJj0mNNe...
Reply:Get yourself a pair of dance shoes, don't dance in Payless shoes. Your feet will thank you for it. Also, proper shoes will last longer and your technique will improve faster. The height of the heel is up to you, really.


Putting suede on the soles of regular shoes won't do. The heel needs to be reinforced in order to take all the impact repeatedly without breaking. All those tricks will waste you time and money. Just get a pair of good dance shoes and enjoy you dancing.


Salsa shoes are better than no dance shoes at all, but I recommend getting proper swing shoes or at least character shoes. You don't need the open toe of the salsa shoe and the extra softness of its soles. Ballroom shoes can be too soft too. Swing shoes need to be a little sturdier than that.
Reply:i thnk it would be good to get heels and it wouldn't affect your dancing! yes though if you bought a pair from a normal shop you should take them to a dance shop and ask them if they can make better for dancing and if your skin blisters just put some soft material on the bottom
Reply:Your weight should be toward the ball of the foot when dancing in any style so the heels will be fine. If the cheap shoes fit and feel good they may be ok with or without suede soles. Most shoe shops don't carry the proper suede and many do not know how to apply it. If you are going the cheap shoe route look for some that will work as is. Watch out for pumps as they may tend to slip around.





While the cheap shoes will work keep in mind that the better shoes are made for dancers. They not only have suede soles but offer better support. If the heels turn out to be too difficult for you to dance in try a low heel sandal





You can buy decent shoes on-line but in most cases need to find and attend a dance event in order to buy dance shoes in person. Check for Swing, Ballroom and CW events near you. Also check with your local USA dance chapter. They may know someone local who sells dance shoes.





Best of luck to you...
Reply:Yes, of course... but yous should invest in good quality shoes... it can be more expensive - but is is worth it :)





Your shoes have to be the products of the highest quality... and your foot are in good condition :)





Regards :)
Reply:Get them and try it! That's your best bet. Perhaps double peds or something would help with the blisters. I would try it with the regular shoes, and then if they don't work well enough then go to a shoe repair place and see what they recommend.





Good luck!



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